Scottish brewer in high growth mode after acquisitions

Scottish brewing group Consolidated Craft Breweries is set for further growth in 2019 following a number of recent acquisitions that have extended the reach of the group from upstream to also include downstream assets. Originally launched as Brewmeister in 2012 and relaunched as Keith Brewery in 2015, the group was rebranded as Consolidated Craft Breweries in late 2018 – the same year in which the business acquired Livingston-based Alechemy Brewing and wholesale operator Firkin Express.

Consolidated Craft Breweries, which also includes Keith Brewery and Spey Valley Brewery, the latter following its acquisition by Keith in early 2018, exports to China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, France, Holland, Iceland, Canada and New Zealand and is also set to launch in the USA in 2019, while the group also has plans to add a pub portfolio in the near future. Former Pernod Ricard senior executive Tony Schofield recently became Consolidated’s Group CEO, supported by Director of Sales & Marketing Andrew Chapman and Scottish serial entrepreneur and investor Donald Smith as part of the Dundee-based angel investment group DIFL.

Tony Schofield, CEO of Consolidated Craft Breweries, said: “Starting with a really solid base in the form of Keith Brewery, the last couple of years have seen a growth strategy underpinned by acquisitions and investment in infrastructure. We are also realising synergies in areas including people talent, bottling and kegging facilities, storage and logistics. With a strong export performance into Asia and Europe, in addition to strengthening our overall UK proposition, we will be targeting the lucrative USA market this year. We also expect to announce news around a Consolidated Craft Breweries pub portfolio over the coming months. In addition, we have created a brand concept, Speyside Spirits, and we intend to develop and launch other high value specialised spirit drinks going forward.”

Donald Smith, Director, Consolidated Craft Breweries, said: “We have made significant investment in the business in recent times, have grown market share at home and abroad and are on course for continuing profitable growth over the next twelve months. We have big plans for Consolidated Craft Breweries and are pleased to have Tony Schofield at the helm as we plot our next phase of growth.”

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